Frozen shrimp are a lifesaver for busy home cooks, allowing you to whip up restaurant-quality meals in minutes without compromising on flavor or freshness.
They cook quickly, absorb flavors beautifully, and pair well with a variety of cuisines, making them ideal for weeknight dinners, quick lunches, and even elegant gatherings.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your meal prep, add more protein to your diet, or impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, these 12 best frozen shrimp recipes will elevate your cooking while keeping things easy, quick, and delicious.
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
Description: Juicy shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce, finished with a splash of lemon, perfect with pasta or crusty bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen shrimp, thawed and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Pat thawed shrimp dry.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper.
- Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Squeeze lemon juice, garnish with parsley, and serve.
2. Spicy Cajun Shrimp Tacos
Description: Flavorful Cajun shrimp tucked into warm tortillas with a creamy slaw for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen shrimp, thawed
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions:
- Mix slaw with mayo and lime juice, set aside.
- Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat oil in a skillet, cook shrimp until pink.
- Warm tortillas, add slaw and shrimp.
- Serve with lime wedges.
3. Shrimp Fried Rice
Description: An easy takeout-style shrimp fried rice that uses frozen shrimp for quick protein and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen shrimp, thawed
- 3 cups cooked rice (cold)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a large pan.
- Add garlic, shrimp, and cook until pink.
- Push shrimp aside, scramble eggs.
- Add rice, peas, carrots, and soy sauce.
- Stir-fry everything together, add green onions, and serve.
4. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Description: A restaurant-style creamy shrimp dish with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen shrimp, thawed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Heat oil, sauté garlic.
- Add shrimp, cook until pink, remove.
- Pour in cream, add Parmesan, and stir.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and seasoning.
- Return shrimp, simmer 2 minutes, and serve over pasta or rice.
5. Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Description: Classic shrimp scampi with lemon, garlic, and butter tossed with pasta for a comforting, quick meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen shrimp, thawed
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup white wine or chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Cook pasta, reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Melt butter, add garlic, cook until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, cook until pink.
- Pour wine or broth, add lemon juice, simmer.
- Toss with cooked pasta, add pasta water if needed.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
6. Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls
Description: Sweet and savory honey garlic shrimp served over rice or quinoa for a meal prep-friendly lunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen shrimp, thawed
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Cooked rice or quinoa
- Sesame seeds and green onions
Instructions:
- Mix soy sauce, honey, and garlic.
- Heat oil, add shrimp, cook until pink.
- Pour sauce over shrimp, simmer 2 minutes.
- Serve over rice or quinoa, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
7. Coconut Shrimp
Description: Crispy coconut shrimp perfect for dipping in sweet chili sauce or mango salsa.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen shrimp, thawed
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt, pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge shrimp in flour, dip in egg, then coconut-panko mix.
- Heat oil, fry shrimp until golden.
- Serve hot with dipping sauce.
8. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Description: A quick, healthy shrimp stir-fry with broccoli in a savory sauce, ready in 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen shrimp, thawed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- Steam or microwave broccoli until tender-crisp.
- Heat oil, sauté garlic.
- Add shrimp, cook until pink.
- Add broccoli, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry, cook until thickened.
- Serve with rice.
9. Shrimp Tikka Masala
Description: An aromatic Indian-inspired shrimp curry with a creamy tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen shrimp, thawed
- 2 tbsp tikka masala paste
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp oil
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Heat oil, sauté onion and garlic.
- Add tikka masala paste, cook 1 minute.
- Add tomato sauce and coconut milk, simmer.
- Add shrimp, cook until pink.
- Garnish with cilantro, serve with rice or naan.
10. Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Description: Fresh and zesty grilled shrimp skewers perfect for summer grilling.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen shrimp, thawed
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt, pepper
- Wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions:
- Mix lemon juice, oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate shrimp for 15 minutes.
- Thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
11. Shrimp and Grits
Description: A comforting Southern classic with creamy grits topped with spicy, buttery shrimp.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen shrimp, thawed
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions:
- Cook grits with water or broth until thick.
- Stir in butter and cheese.
- Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
- Sauté garlic in butter, add shrimp, cook until pink.
- Serve shrimp over grits.
12. Shrimp Ceviche (Quick Version)
Description: A refreshing, citrusy shrimp ceviche using cooked frozen shrimp for a speedy appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked frozen shrimp, thawed, chopped
- Juice of 4 limes
- 1 tomato, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Combine shrimp with lime juice in a bowl.
- Add tomato, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill for 20 minutes before serving with tortilla chips.
Conclusion:
Frozen shrimp are your best friend for fast, flavorful, and versatile meals. Whether you prefer creamy pastas, spicy tacos, or healthy stir-fries, these 12 best frozen shrimp recipes prove you can enjoy gourmet-level dishes with minimal prep. Key tips to remember: